NYC Mob Figures Plead Guilty To Running Illegal Betting Operation

22 weeks ago Five Mafia members and associates have pleaded guilty to racketeering, money laundering and gambling charges for running an illegal betting operation in New York City. Prosecutors say the Lucchese organized crime family figures admitted to running a large-scale online gambling enterprise. Among them was Anthony Villani, a Lucchese soldier who agreed to a plea deal Thursday in which he’ll pay $4 million in forfeiture. Prosecutors said that since the early 2000s, the 60-year-old Elmsford resident owned and operated Rhino Sports, a business that employed mafia figures as bookmakers to pay and collect winnings. Lawyers for Villani didn't immediately comment.